[We are seeking volunteers to custom-make finger tops for this exhibit. Please contact Anna Grace at exhibits@explorit.org if you are interested.]
This exhibit activity features a 48 inch by 60 inch rectangular table in which a central 42 inch disc, flush with the tabletop, can spin at from 15 to 45 revolutions per minute. Visitors can investigate various physical phenomena related to:
a) rolling and spinning objects on a rotating surface for family, pre-teen and older visitors.
b) spinning objects on a stationary surface when younger visitors predominate.
B. Items for use on the table when it is not in motion:
1. We plan to have several types and sets of spinning objects in both aluminum and wood. These may be made by volunteers (board members, community members, UCD or high school students for example.)
[Illustration above is an example not a prescription
The spindles are shown fitted to the whorls but are actually detachable]
The spinning objects are to be either complete tops of all sorts of shapes, or parts of tops (spindles and whorls) that can be fitted together to investigate what makes a top spin well. Very small tops are to be avoided because they will go missing too quickly; very large tops are also to be avoided if they are hard to spin.
[Guidelines: This page as a PDF also Principles of top design PDF and Top made with metal lathe PDF]
Visitors will:
- observe spinning action,
- investigate the spinning action of the complete tops,
- experiment with tops composed of spindles and whorls put together (by the visitor) in various combinations.
Materials: either turned metal (aluminum) or wood.
Size: various sizes with whorls between 1.5 and 3 or 4 inches in diameter.
Types:
- turned metal tops with significant shape, weight and balance differences.
- turned metal top parts (spindles and whorls) to allow experimentation into how to make a top that spins well.
- turned wood tops and parts same as i. and ii.
- other creative spinning forms - especially those with unique character such as a whistling top or a top with arms that spread as the top spins..
- All tops and parts need to be marked with a clear, identifying mark to dissuade pilferage
2. Completed tops should be delivered to Anna Grace (exhibits@explorit.org) at Explorit at 2nd Street in a box along with the designer-maker's name and contact information as well as any useful information about the making of the tops. Deadline if possible is before the end of January 2008 but tops made after that time will be equally appreciated.
Explorit is very appreciative of all volunteer efforts to help make its first long term exhibition "Move It! Science in Action" happen in time for the opening in March 2008.
